Scott & White Health Plan

Summer, Sun, and You
Gel Detrick, SWHP QI, Reviewed By Dr. J. James Rohack

Texas is getting hot again. Many of us are looking forward to spending more time outside and getting a healthy looking tan. While fresh air and some sunlight is good for us, too much sun is not. Sunlight can cause freckles, age spots, wrinkles, and in some cases, skin cancer.

Ultraviolet or UV rays can be dangerous to skin. There are two main types of UV rays. UVA is what helps us to tan, but also causes wrinkles. UVB causes sunburn. Both UVA and UVB can cause skin cancer. There is no such thing as a "safe" UV ray. Many people think that UV rays only affect them on bright, sunny days, but even on cloudy days UV radiation can cause skin damage and the effects of sunlight accumulate with each exposure over a lifetime. That doesn't mean that you should never go outside; just take a few simple steps to keep you healthy:

• Make sure you use sunscreen often throughout the day
• Make sure your sunscreen has a protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater
• Wear sunglasses and contact lenses that have UV protection
• Wide brim hats protect the neck
• Check your skin regularly for any changes if you are outside a lot
• Avoid direct sun as much as possible during 10:00 am and 3:00 pm
• Avoid tanning beds
• Protect your children if you are a parent or your grandchildren if you are a grandparent
• Remember that water and snow reflect the sun's rays back onto you and take precautions

The National Weather Service (NWS) and the Environmental Protection Agency has developed a UV Index that forecasts the amount of UV ration for each geographical area. It is reported as a number, ranging from 1 to 11+. The higher the number, the greater the risk. The table below highlights the risk to overexposure to UV radiation.

You don't have to stay indoors all summer. By using these simple tips it's ok to be outdoors without worrying too much about wrinkles or getting skin cancer. By checking your skin regularly for any changes, especially to moles or spots, you can spot the warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any changes, be sure to tell your doctor. With early detection and treatment, skin cancer can often be cured. Your primary care physician can refer you to a dermatologist for immediate treatment. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in treating the medical, surgical and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair and nails. Summer in Texas is hot, have fun, but take the steps needed to stay healthy first.

Source: Webmd, American Academy of Dermatology